Welcome to the Unity Diabetes Online Community! I’m Cassie Wright, a certified diabetes educator from Unity Diabetes & Endocrinology Services, and I’ll be hosting today’s chat. I’d like to introduce Kelley Ligozio, Associate Director, Tour de Cure from the American Diabetes Association, who is joining us today to tell us about the upcoming Tour de Cure. We’re glad you could join us today and we’re excited to answer all of your diabetes questions.

Cassie@Unity:

Before we get started let me just tell you how we’ll address your questions and comments today. I answer questions one at a time, in the order that they are posted to the site, and there might be a slight delay as I respond to each question. It may take a few minutes for me to type answers to your questions, so please stay logged-in to the chat to see my response, even if it takes a few minutes. And you might need to refresh every few minutes to keep up with the latest posts in the chat.

Cassie@Unity:

Let's get started!

Cassie@Unity:

Thanks for joining us, Kelley, it's a pleasure to have you!

Kelley@ ADA:

Thanks, Cassie. We are really excited about our upcoming Tour de Cure on Sunday June 2, and I am here to provide information and answer any questions you may have!

sassy35:

Where is the Tour de Cure this year?

dbhattac12345:

I saw in the paper that a new type 2 diabetes drug has been approved by FDA. This drug will get the excess sugar flushed with the urine as I read in the paper. Can you give some more light on this drug and its future?

Kelley@ ADA:

Monroe Community College. The Tour de Cure is a casual bike ride, not a race, that offers a variety of route options from a 3-mile family ride to a 100-mile century ride.

lucyblue:

I think the name of the new diabetes drug is called Invokana.

Cassie@Unity:

Can you tell us more about the options for different rides?

Cassie@Unity:

Great questions, dbhattac!

dbhattac12345:

Yes - that is the one.

Cassie@Unity:

It is a completely new class of drug, intended to impact the rate of glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.

Kelley@ADA:

Each distance is fully supported with rest stops every 8-12 miles that includes fresh fruit, snacks and hydration. Our route support also includes medical, bike mechanical and amazing volunteers every mile you pedal!

lucyblue:

Kelley, how does the money raised by the Tour de Cure help people with diabetes?

Cassie@Unity:

For additional information regarding safety for you, I would recommend speaking with your physician.

Kelley@ADA:

Great question, lucyblue. The money we raise supports research, programs, services and advocacy efforts to prevent and cure diabetes. We also host a residential camp, Camp Aspire at the Rotary Sunshine Camp for children living with diabetes. I cannot express enough how amazing the experience is!

dbhattac12345:

Thanks, I will.

sassy35:

dbhattac - just curious - where do you keep up with news and info for people with diabetes?

Jane@Unity:

Will the drug bring down the HBA1C

Cassie@Unity:

Ooooo, the snacks sound yummy. What are the distance options?

Jane@Unity:

How can someone help lower their morning blood glucose (fasting)?

Jane@Unity:

How do we get our triglycerides down?

Kelley@ADA:

The Tour de Cure also offers a free, outdoor training ride program 5 days a week starting this Sunday, April 14 at 1p.m. at Mendon Ponds Park. We are meeting at Stewart Lodge and will offer a 15 - and 25-mile training ride.

Cassie@Unity:

Kelley: how fun! Thank you for that information. Volunteering sounds like a great alternative if riding is not your forte!

Kelley@ADA:

Absolutely and I cannot express enough our need for volunteers – we have lots of opportunities for volunteers from registration, to food, to cheering riders as they cross the finish line!

sassy35:

Thanks for the tips dbhattac!

Kelley@ADA:

This year our goal is to raise $1 million dollars to Stop Diabetes!

Cassie@Unity:

Jane - Sorry, I did see that question. :) Lowering your morning blood glucose values can be accomplished primarily through weight loss. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a carbohydrate controlled diet, modest in lean protein and balanced with plenty of non-starchy vegetables helps! And of course making sure you get plenty of exercise most days of the week!

Jane@Unity:

How do we get our triglycerides down?

sassy35:

I'm interested in that triglycerides question too!

Cassie@Unity:

In some cases, a medication may be necessary if weight loss and lifestyle changes do not help. That would be a great question for your doctor if your fasting values are not responding to a healthier lifestyle.

Jane - Another great question! Triglycerides are also significantly impacted by weight loss. Dietary interventions/suggestions for lowering triglycerides would be to lower sugar intake in beverages like soda, juice or any other sweetened caloric beverages.

Cassie@Unity:

It is also recommended that you limit alcohol intake to improve triglycerides. It is recommended for women to have no more than one drink per day, and men two. A drink is: 1 ounce liquor, 12 ounce beer or 4 ounce glass of wine.

Jane@Unity:

If you’re prediabetic, at what point do you get put on medication?

Cassie@Unity:

Of course, remember alcohol is additional calories that could be promoting weight gain or limit your ability to lose weight. For that reason, it's best to limit it to less than once daily!

Jane@Unity:

Thank you for your support to my class tonight.

Cassie@Unity:

Jane - Every medication has its risks! It's always best to speak specifically with your doctor regarding medications as every person’s medical history is different!

Cassie@Unity:

That’s all the time we have for today. I’ve really enjoyed our conversation and hope that I was able to provide some insight for you. If we didn’t get to your question today or if you think of another question later on – feel free to jump into the conversation in the forum, or submit a question using our “Ask an expert” feature. Be sure to join us for our next chat Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m. – an open Q&A session with Joy Valvano, C.D.E. She will be holding an open Q&A session and sharing healthy eating and nutrition information!

Kelley@ADA:

To learn more about bike riding and volunteering please feel free to contact me directly at kligozio@diabetes.org and visit our website diabetes.org/rochestertour Mark your calendars and join us for an amazing day – Sunday June 2 at Monroe Community College! We would be honored to you part of our journey to Stop Diabetes!

Cassie@Unity:

Jane: The pre-diabetes question would be a great question to have your class add to our forum. We have a panel of experts that can answer questions at any time!

lucyblue:

Thanks Kelley and Cassie – very helpful info! I think I will volunteer at the Tour de Cure!